POLICE EQUIPMENT.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20485, 11 December 1934, Page 8

POLICE EQUIPMENT.

i _ . l Speedler Methods Urged i by Justices. ‘ Doubt as to whether the present iequipment of the police force was sufficient to enable the speedy detecition of criminals was expressed at a Imeeting of the council of the Canterbury Justices’ of the Peace Association last evening. Mr G. E. Franklin referred to the remarks made recently by Mr Justice ‘Herdman, who commented on the need for modern equipment if the police were to be successful in the detection of criminals. The chairman (Mr A. 11. Hobbs) said that a few years ago, the Minister of Justice had said that finance was not then available to provide the police with special cars and wireless. Mr \V. A. \Villiams declared that more efficient means of transport should be provided for the police to enable them to overtake and detect criminals. Evidently the \Vellington police were provided with fast motor transport, but Canterbury was not in such a fortunate position Mr H. Holland, 1\1.P., stated that recently the Commissioner of Police had said that the force was adequately provided with speedy transport. “'ireless would be invaluable, he added. At a defence demonstration which he had attended recently at Trentham. portable wireless sets were usedAavailable for two»way conversation—eand‘ to him, they did not look very expensive. The recent escape of a prisoner from the Mount Eden gaol and the assault at “'oodend were cited as oases where fast motor transport would have been of great assistance. Mr G. Maginness remarked that the possible reason for the statement of the (“ommissioner of Police was that he was afraid that it nxight encourage criminals if it was thought otherwise, ‘ Mr Holland then offered to telegraph ito the commissioner asking him if he was in accord with the Judge‘s remarks, and this was accepted action being deferred in the meantime.